Multiple sensor system and method for mapping soil in three dimensions

Abstract

A multi-sensor system rapidly measures diffuse reflectance of soil, soil conductivity, and other soil properties in situ, in three dimensions. The system includes a tractor-drawn implement containing a sensor shank used for X-Y axis measurements, a hydraulic probe implement containing a sensor probe for −Z axis measurements, and a set of visible and near-infrared spectrometers, controls, and firmware that are shared by each implement. Both implements include optical sensors and soil electrical conductivity sensors. The probe implement incorporates a sensor that measures insertion force, and the shank implement includes a soil temperature sensor. These combinations of sensors are used to calibrate the system and to characterize the soil properties within a field or area. Geo-referenced soil measurements are collected with the shank implement to identify optimal locations for conducting sensor probe insertions. The probe implement is then used for sensor probing and for collecting soil core samples for lab analysis.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 111,334 filed on Nov. 4, 2008. This application is also related to the subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 253,594 filed on Oct. 17, 2008, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 982,395 filed on Oct. 24, 2007. The entire contents of these prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to methods and devices for analyzing and mapping soil properties within a field. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and devices for mapping soils within a field in three dimensions using multiple sensors.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Mapping soil properties precisely, especially identifying differences hidden within the soil profile, has proven challenging for soil scientists and soil classifiers. While GPS technology pr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Mapping soil properties precisely, especially identifying differences hidden within the soil profile, has proven challenging for soil scientists and soil classifiers.

While GPS technology provides precise positional information, quantitative information about the soil properties that exist within the profile at each location remains a limiting factor.

The number of soil samples needed to accurately map soil variability is impractical using conventional sampling and analysis methods.

One of the important issues involving in situ soil measurements relates to reducing atmospheric carbon by increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil.

Two aspects of soil carbon makes this especially challenging: 1) expected carbon increases are small relative to the amount of carbon variability within the field, and 2) changes in soil bulk density must also be measured.

The cost for each sample result precludes intense sampling and analysis.

Soil heterogeneity within a field and within the profile prevents simple characterization of soils.

A device that probes into the profile, but at a limited and random number of sites, would likely not be able to capture all the variability within the field.

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